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A Place To Come Together.

This new-build Coptic Orthodox Church in Solihull, West Midlands, has given us the opportunity to work on a striking public building with a distinctive architectural blend of ecclesiastical and contemporary styles. The Mary & Archangel Michael Cathedral is an ongoing project in which both TDS and our sister company, D4S, have been involved.

The TDS team was commissioned to model the main structure’s columns, beams, curved beams, purlins and horizontal and vertical bracings. They were also tasked with modelling the ledger angles and plates that support the concrete slab, and the columns and beams that support the pre-cast staircase.

One of the main strengths of the partnership between TDS and D4S is being able to offer combined solutions to a project that can increase productivity and reduce delivery times. As such TDS modelled and proposed to D4S some end connections that greatly speed up the overall design and detailing process. Our modelling also revealed a potential clash between the horizontal roof bracings and purlins, however, with TDS Technical Manager, Andy Stone, on hand to advise, a solution was designed quickly and efficiently.

The church is still a work in progress, with funding sought for its completion, however, we’re sure it will serve as a great illustration of what can be achieved when everyone works together for a single goal.